Proof is the best bar in town for the mixology enthusiast in your life. Carefully crafted cocktails, small plates, and a constantly changing food and drink menu make for a unique experience every time you visit.

This intimate, 50 seat speakeasy is a hidden gem on 17th Avenue. The saucy sister bar of Model Milk, Model Citizen features delectable snacks, a monthly rotating cocktail menu, and a beautifully designed bar that will liven up your next date night.

Ricardo’s Hideaway is the perfect little tropical bar to add some warmth to those cold Calgary nights. With over 100 different rums, an island inspired small bites menu, and a host of fun cocktails, this Copacabana isn’t your typical cocktail bar.

The only thing more impressive than Shelter’s craft cocktails is its modern art and design. A gallery wall of gas masks, a custom light fixture with over 5000 individually hung bulbs, and small tables of plush velvet seating make this bar a beautiful last stop for a night cap — or several.

Nestled in Calgary’s oldest brewery district in Ramsay, Ol’ Beautiful pays homage to it’s neighbourhood’s rich history of brewing and manufacturing. Antiqued wall panels in a warehouse setting are contrasted with modern finishes throughout the taproom creating an elegant yet comfy vibe. Aesthetics aside, their beer is some of the best in the city! Their Japanese inspired Okami Kasu ale my fav. Oh and don’t forget to stop by their large patio in the summertime for some drinks under the cafe lights.

What can I say about Cabin, other than all of their beers are amazing. Their Super Saturation New England Pale Ale ought to win an award (maybe it has). The taproom is located in the middle of Calgary’s Barley Belt in the Manchester industrial park; making it the perfect stop over before, after, or between other brewery visits! The room is reminiscent of a glamping experience, and the service is always friendly!

Annex is your spot for all kinds of ale; dark ale, pale ale, hoppy ale, you name it. But just in case you want to switch it up, Annex also features guest taps to offer up more variety. Maybe the best part about this spot is the great burger offering from Lil’ Empire, located inside the taproom. This makes Annex the perfect spot for a full meal experience.

Inner City Brewing is located aptly named for it’s downtown location, but what you might not expect is that their beers are brewed in the style of cities from around the globe. This makes for a super interesting taste experiment as you discover flavour profiles found in Europe and abroad which are brewed here in Calgary. The food offering is modest and snack-y, I would suggest you go in the late afternoon before your dinner plans.

Here’s a quirky place with an affectionate name. I Love You Coffee Shop is located near mission and it’s easy to miss considering it is downstairs from a convenience store (Happy Together). The charming, brightly painted walls adorned with ACAD grad style artwork and second hand furnishings throughout the cafe make this a truly genuine spot. You’ll find the owner, Dan Murray, hanging out/working/DJing most days - and the coffee is pretty good too.

NHBR (Neighbour) is a small coffee shop on 16th Street in Altadore with a convenient street side walk-up window. They serve good beans and have a refreshingly healthy menu — no surprise since this is the sister shop to Our Daily Brett. Add a breakfast sandwich and a smoothie to your coffee for the full morning experience.

Monogram is the all-around great coffee spot with everything you would expect from top notch beans to expertly baked goodies. Pop-in to their Altadore location, or check them out in Britannia.

I can’t ignore Analog when putting together a coffee list. Located on what might be the busiest corner of 17th Ave, these guys are pumping out their own Fratello coffee at an alarming rate. It’s a great spot if you can to snag a counter seat or a table for 2 for that meeting. For the coffee shop entrepreneurs it’s perfect for people watching, and you won’t bother anyone by hunkering down for an hour or two.